On several occasions I’ll see a kid that seems a bit too young and alone and keep an eye on them. Shortly mom or dad comes into view.
One time, outside the video store, there was a car with 5 or 6 kids in it, all pretty young (8 or younger). I watched for a bit and no adult. I walked over to the car, driver’s window down, keys in the ignition.
I looked at the oldest boy and asked where their mom was.
“Inside.”
“Okay. I’m going to take the keys and give them to your mom.”
Once inside I called out loudly “Excuse me. Who is the person with all the kids out in the car. I have your keys!”
The lady sheepishly ran up and got them. I’m glad I didn’t get shot reaching into the car (but I was looking!).
Maybe I was a jerk, but hey - I didn’t call the cops!
That’s the proper way to handle it.